We begin each day at 9:00 am with a Virginia Satir Temperature Reading opening the group to many possibilities for learning, growth and fun. This is followed by a 2 hour CEC plenary program, followed by optional triads, lunch, and men’s and women’s groups. The afternoon program has slots for pre-approved CEC workshops, as well as slots where you are invited to post a pop-up workshop you would like to present. Dinner is at 6:00 pm and there will usually be some kind of educational or fun evening program after dinner . The conference ends with Friday breakfast.
Spirit In The Desert Retreat Center We will meet in a beautiful desert setting, with warm weather, within walking distance from the town of Carefree, outside of Phoenix. Spirit in the Desert hosts programs and retreats for participants of all faiths to experience reconciliation, renewal and healing. Its peaceful environment encourages positive communication and productivity. The campus also features sacred spaces for guests to enjoy: a Labyrinth, Prayer Path, and the Islands of Silence Meditation Walk. Phoenix Sky Harbor International airport is 45 minutes from the retreat center. All bedrooms have private bathrooms, a patio or balcony, and most enjoy spectacular mountain views. Also available for your enjoyment are a heated swimming pool with gorgeous views and a Jacuzzi. Spirit’s chefs serve homemade, healthy meals which can be eaten inside the dining room or on the adjoining spacious patio
CONFERENCE DETAILS:
CONFERENCE COSTS: Inclusive of room, meals, conference fees, and gratuities: Double $1,176 pp, Triple $1,041 pp (must list those you are rooming with at registration) Off site: $841 pp. Single Rooms: Our facility has only 26 rooms, so we are not able to offer single rooms on site. If you would like a single room, book directly with the lovely, new Hampton Suites just a 10 minute walk from Spirit of the Desert. The price is about the same as a single room would have been at Spirit -$150 per night.
If you want a single room, your conference registration fee, including meals and gratuities would be $841 and you would register under “Off Site” on IHLRN registration page. You would make your room reservations directly with the Hampton Inn and have all your meals with the group. If there are single rooms available when registration closes, you will be given an option of staying on site. (Carefree Hampton Inn)
DAY PASSES: We are once again offering day passes for Arizona residents and students. The cost is $150/per day, available Monday through Thursday, and includes 3 meals, the evening programs, and CECs. All registrants on day passes are invited to the opening session Sunday at 7:30 PM.
CECs: For those of you wanting to receive continuing education credits, we will be offering workshops approved for CE credit through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) which meets licensing standards for counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists in most states in the US. Approximately 20 credits will be available to participants. The one-time fee is $75.
SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarships are available to provide financial support to new and existing associates whose financial circumstances make it difficult to attend the conference without assistance. These awards may cover only a portion of the conference fee. Be aware that recipients of scholarships must share lodging (no single rooms), and you are only eligible for a scholarship every 3 years. Clink the link on the registration page to apply for a scholarship.
REGISTER EARLY: We encourage you to register early as we have a limited number of rooms. The rooms are large and have 2-3 beds. On site rooms are only for rooms that will be shared by 2 or 3 people. Offsite hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites room rates will not be available until later. Single room participants should anticipate at least $150 per night; we will share the rate as soon as the hotel releases the November 2026 rates. You will need to arrange your stay directly with the Hampton. 1-480-476-9200, 2 Easy St Carefree, AZ 85377
CANCELLATION POLICY: Registration closes November 8, one week prior to the conference. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds after that date unless we can fill your space from a wait list. This is based on our contract. Refunds, less a $50 administrative fee and IHLRN dues, can be given prior to that date.
COVID POLICY: Our Covid policy at the last conference was very successful. No participants came down with Covid during or after the conference. The board will assess and create a Covid policy for 2026.
Please contact us if you have any questions
Conference Coordinator: Beatrice Parker, beatrice@absolutejoy.org or 919-260-7271 - General conference info and registration technical assistance
CEC Coordinator: Dana Martinelli: djm3188@gmail.com
Program Co-Chairs: Ann Riley: annriley@ou.edu, Bernadette Johns: drjohns@drbernadettejohns.com